The Bristol-Burlington Health District has sent notice for salons and tattoo parlors to close to fight the growing coronavirus threat.
Marco Palmerio, the director of health at the Bristol-Burlington Health District, said the order applies to all "personal services" businesses, including nail salons, hair salons, barber shops and tattoo parlors, effective as of 5 p.m. Monday.
"I understand this poses a heavy burden on businesses and their employees, but my job is to prevent a far greater burden on society, morbidity and mortality. If we are to be successful in slowing the spread and mitigating the burden, we all need to do our share and maintain social distance and/or stay home. You can't do that while you get your hair cut," Palmeri said.
The governor has already ordered movie theaters, gyms, restaurants and bars to close indefinitely as of 8 p.m. Monday, with the exception of take-out. Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos have also agreed to close their doors, effective Tuesday at 8 p.m.
As of Monday, 41 people have tested positive for COVID-19. Health officials are stressing the need for social distancing, which means keeping away from crowded places, large gatherings, and keeping a distance of 6 feet from others whenever possible.
